The blood drive was held in Cokely Gym on Oct. 23 all throughout the school day. AP Biology students set up and worked the drive with the help of the nurses Karla Hausman, Brittany Kerner and Becky Kovac. The event was held so the people who need blood can get it.
“This blood drive is a community blood drive, and there’s a blood drive every day in different schools and other public places,” senior Logan East said.
According to the Red Cross Foundation each time someone gives blood they donate one pint of blood and save three lives. The donations are used for surgeries, major injuries, cancer treatments and people with blood loss.
“I gave blood because I think it’s important because it saves lives and helps those in need,” sophomore Madeline Phillips said.
If students want to help, find out eligibility requirements by going to Solvita.org. Also, fill out a donor XPress questionnaire before the donation. Bring some sort of identification and a list of medical records.
“I drank a lot of water and prepared myself for sticking a needle in my arm before the donation,” Phillips said.
According to the Red Cross Foundation around each year around 4.5 million people will need donated blood in the USA. There is 6.8 million people in the United States donate blood, which is only ten percent of people in the United States.
“It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes, feel good and don’t have a practice or game later that day,” East said.
After donating blood the donator will feel lightheaded from the sudden drop of blood pressure and the slowing of the heartbeat. At blood drives there should be places to grab a drink and snacks after donating to help with lightheadedness.
The next in-school blood drive will be in the spring, but in the meantime there will be some held in nearby participating public places such as St James on Nov. 28, Elk’s Lodge in Excselisior Springs on Nov. 19 and the Chief’s Blood Drive on Nov. 16 or donations are welcome anytime at any hospital or Red Cross Foundation building.
